I'm not able to gently address our assigned lectionary readings this morning while violence persists in the region of the Holy Land and while religious extremists are murderously purging / displacing tens of thousands of Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities in pursuit of establishing a more pure theocracy. The zealots also aim to paralyze their opposition with fear of further terror. 

Confronting violence in God’s name in our scriptures is particularly salient. 

The current storm our sisters and brothers are facing is very real. 

Oh how I yearn to hear Jesus say, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” What a joy it would be to join the psalmist in crying out, “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” 

Christ, please reach your hand out to those in danger, even of little faith, who are seeking safety and relief. 

O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us. 

[ref: RCL readings for Proper 14, Year A]

This is the Arabic letter “nun,” the first letter in the word “Nazarene.”We're being told in the media that in ISIS controlled regions of Iraq,
it has been painted on doors to identify the homes of Christians
who are then brutally beaten and often executed.